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Q1. (Genesis 37:31-35) What does bringing the blood-stained robe to Jacob say about these sons' attitude toward their father? How does this loss affect Jacob? How do you think it affects his future behaviour? It was a callous deed, and shows an antagonistic behaviour towards their father. Their behaviour was a jealousy created because of Jacob

Q1. Take some time to review Sarah's life and legacy. What were her strengths? Her weaknesses? Where did she show faith? Where did she lack faith? Besides a momentary lapse of faith, she was basically a woman of faith. She and Abraham both were shown to be very hospitable. She also showed strength of character in taking control of her household by having Hagar and Ishmael sent away. As far as her weaknesses are concerned; she with Abraham, deceived both Pharaoh and Abimelech with their lies about their marriage. She became impatient, instead of waiting on God to provide a son, she persuaded Abraham to have a child by her maid, Hagar. She also was jealous of her maid. She showed lack of faith when she laughed when told by the Lord she would have a son.

Q1. What differences do you find between the various resurrection accounts? How do you account for differences in eyewitness testimony? How might these differences add to the credibility of the witnesses? The differences are: Women - In the Synoptic Gospels, Mary Magdalene and other women go to the tomb, whereas in John, Mary Magdalene goes alone. Appearance to the women - In Matthew, Jesus appears to the women before they tell the disciples. In Mark, the women tell no one of what they had seen. In John, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene after she reports to the disciples. Number of angels - In Matthew and Mark one angel appears; in Luke and John there are two angels. Purpose of the women's visit - In Matthew they go to "look at" the tomb. In Mark and Luke they bring spices to anoint Jesus' body. In John the anointing took place on Friday night and no purpose for Mary's visit is given. Grave clothes - In Matthew and Mark, Jesus is wrapped in a large linen shroud. In John and Luke, Jesus is wrapped in strips of linen. Location - In Matthew and Mark, Jesus' resurrection appearances are in Galilee, while Luke only records appearances in the vicinity of Jerusalem. We find that in most events were there are many witnesses that hardly ever are they in full agreement of what occurred. These minor differences seem to confirm that there was no collusion between all the witnesses.

Q1. What differences do you find between the various resurrection accounts? How do you account for differences in eyewitness testimony? How might these differences add to the credibility of the witnesses? The differences are: Women - In the Synoptic Gospels, Mary Magdalene and other women go to the tomb, whereas in John, Mary Magdalene goes alone. Appearance to the women - In Matthew, Jesus appears to the women before they tell the disciples. In Mark, the women tell no one of what they had seen. In John, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene after she reports to the disciples. Number of angels - In Matthew and Mark one angel appears; in Luke and John there are two angels. Purpose of the women's visit - In Matthew they go to "look at" the tomb. In Mark and Luke they bring spices to anoint Jesus' body. In John the anointing took place on Friday night and no purpose for Mary's visit is given. Grave clothes - In Matthew and Mark, Jesus is wrapped in a large linen shroud. In John and Luke, Jesus is wrapped in strips of linen. Location - In Matthew and Mark, Jesus' resurrection appearances are in Galilee, while Luke only records appearances in the vicinity of Jerusalem. We find that in most events were there are many witnesses that hardly ever are they in full agreement of what occurred. These minor differences seem to confirm that there was no collusion between all the witnesses.

Q5. (Genesis 35:22) What is the significance of Reuben's sin? In what way does it go beyond a sexual sin? We're not told, but how do you think this affected the family dynamics? Extra credit: Reuben has acted dishonourably here. In what ways does Reuben act honourably in the future? (37:21-29; 42:22, 37) Because of his sin, Reuben forfeited his birthright. It goes beyond the normal sexual sin in that he committed incest with Bilhah. This must have been a direct insult to his father, Jacob. Some commentators think that

Q4. How does Abraham's near sacrifice of his beloved, only son Isaac help you understand better Jesus' crucifixion? I don

Q4. Why did Jesus' enemies heed his prediction of being raised on the third day even more than his disciples? Did his enemies expect him to rise? Did his followers? A group of unbelievers remembered Jesus

Q4. (Genesis 35:9-15) Why do you think God appears to Jacob yet another time? What are the primary promises that God renews to Jacob? God wants to reaffirm His blessing to Jacob. We note that is almost identical to the promises made to Abraham in Genesis 17:4-6. We have a name change (Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel); a promise that kings will come from them; also a reference to being fruitful; and a promise that a

Q3. (22:14) How have you learned to trust God to provide for you? How has he provided for you in the past? What are you facing right now that will require God to be your Provider, your Jehovah-Jireh? Yes! Most definitely! God has provided for me all my life, and not only for me but for my family as well. Through all the years I have learned to trust Him in everything. I can honestly say I have never been disappointed in the past, and on reflection, everything has occurred for my best will. As we read in Matthew 6:33, we must first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and He will guarantee our future needs. So I

Q3. (John 11:23-25) What do you think Jesus meant when he said, "I am the resurrection and the life"? What role will Jesus play in the resurrection of the dead? Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Because He lives we too shall live. If Jesus is removed there is nothing but death left. So when we realise this, we can be assured that He is the cause and source of our resurrection and of our eternal life. We know, as believers, that we will be in His presence and that our resurrection and eternal life is guaranteed.

Q3. (Genesis 35:1-5) Why does Jacob's household need spiritual renewal? Why is it important to get rid of foreign gods? What do washing and putting on clean clothes represent? What "foreign gods" do you need to throw away? In what ways do you need to repent and lead a new, clean life? Their household now comprised many pagan women and children who were enslaved at Shechem; perhaps even as wives of Jacob

Q2. Can we really know God until we can trust him with our whole lives? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? If not, why not now? If you have, what has that surrender entailed for you? How has God blessed you in return? No, I think there has to be a total commitment. This reminds me of Prov 3:5,

Q2. (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15) According to scripture, both the righteous and unrighteous will experience resurrection. What will be the result of resurrection for the righteous? Their bodies will be raised from the dead; they would face judgment, and spend eternity with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

Q2. What happened when the Israelites disobeyed God and intermarried with the Canaanites? Why do you think God commanded them not to intermarry? Was this racial or spiritual or both? Why are Christians to marry "in the Lord"? They would be assimilated into a pagan culture, and the Jews would not have remained unique and separate as a nation for God. We are not to enter into marriage with unbelievers. These marriages are not committed in obedience to God. Initially faith might not be an issue but eventually it will and could even destroy the marriage, or perhaps the believer might have to compromise for the sake of unity.

Q1. How does Job's vision of resurrection (Job 19:25-27) differ from the Jews' former understanding of death as Sheol? What is progressive revelation? At the time physical resurrection was not a doctrine widely taught in the OT, it was only widely accepted as standard in the time of our Lord by OT - believing Jews. With the passage of time God revealed this truth to us; allowing us to understand His plans for us. To know that our Redeemer lives, is a tremendous comfort in life, knowing we will see God

Q1. (Genesis 34) Why do you think Jacob is so silent after the rape of his daughter? What should he have done instead of being silent? What was right about the sons' reaction? What was wrong? What threat does the family now face if they stay in Shechem? Jacob was not as angry about this incident as his sons were. He must have felt guilty for not having warned or stopped Dinah from going into town. When he hears what has happened to his daughter he remains silent, not giving any instructions to his sons about how they are to deal with this matter. I think Jacob was more concerned about retaliation than any moral principle. He is passive in dealing with Hamor and Shechem, and it seems likely that he would have allowed Dinah to marry Shechem. If this was allowed to happen God

Q1. What effect does Satan want trials to have in our life? What effect does God want them to have? The effect really depends upon how we respond to the trial. Have you ever been through a trial that strengthens and invigorates you at the end? Have any of your trials inspired others or have you been inspired by another's trial? Satan would love us to turn away from God. Become angry with God and question His motives. God, on the other hand, expects us to show our faithfulness to Him. To prove to God that we trust Him in everything; and at the same time that we have surrendered to Him, knowing that only He knows what is best for us. Yes, I think, all of us as believers, have been through various trials. These trials have strengthened and invigorated me, and most important of all, drawn me closer to our Lord. When you read the biographies of great Christians throughout the ages, one cannot help being inspired by their tenacity and love for God.

Q4. (Genesis 33:1-16) How has Esau changed since Jacob had gone to Haran? How has Jacob changed? How does the encounter demonstrate Jacob's "craftiness"? How does it demonstrate his faith? Can Jacob be humble and "crafty" at the same time? Here we see God had so softened Esau

Q3. (Genesis 32:24-30) Who was the "man" Jacob wrestled with? What does the wrestling represent? Was it spiritual or physical? Why does the "man" wound Jacob permanently? What do you think the limp means to him? The

Q2. (Genesis 32.9-12) What does Jacob's prayer tell us about his fears? About his faith? About his pride? What are the signs of spiritual growth you see in Jacob since he left Canaan to go to Haran years before? Jacob

Q1. (Genesis 32:1-2) Why does God reveal the angel army to Jacob? What is the significance of the presence of this army? Why do you think he calls the place Mahanaim ("two camps")? Jacob has just finished with Laban, but now faces his brother, Esau, who had earlier threatened to kill him; this is, however, a more serious issue and Jacob needs reassurance. God provides this, assuring Jacob of God

Q5. Why do we often fail to see God's blessings during the everyday conflicts of our lives? Why do blessings and conflicts so often come at the same time? What hope do we have in the midst of our struggles? I

Q4. (21:33) How does the realization that God is El-Olam, the Eternal God, effect you? How does it alter the way you live your life? The fact that our God is a living Eternal God and not some icon, statue or a dead idol, is the reason for us to worship Him. Also we know He is alive and that He hears and answers prayer. He is in control of the universe/s and preserves and maintains all. Everything was created by Him. All this is reason enough to bow down and serve Him and His Son.

Q4. (Genesis 31:44-55) What are the terms of the Mizpah Covenant? Of what is the Mizpah monument supposed to remind Jacob and Laban? Jacob promises not to mistreat Laban

Q3. In what ways has God blessed Abraham in this difficult chapter 21? Given what we know about Ishmael's character (16:12; 25:18), how has Abraham been blessed that he sent him away? How has Isaac been blessed? What might have happened if Ishmael hadn't been sent away? Have you ever been rejected or sent away? Where is God in all of this? God blessed Abraham in that He promised that both his sons would be looked after. Our Lord made it clear that the covenant would be carried out through Isaac, the promised son. God was gracious enough to comfort Abraham with the promise that Ishmael would become the father of a great nation. God